Shootouts in Naco and Agua Prieta, Sonora, on Monday left nine people dead. In response to that violence, Arizona’s Department of Public Safety said it “has dedicated additional assets and support to the region.”
Citing "operational security," the agency declined to provide details beyond what it wrote in three tweets Wednesday.
In response to the significant drug cartel-related violence in the Mexican cities of Agua Prieta and Naco, the Arizona Department of Public Safety has dedicated additional assets and support to the region. (1/3)
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) June 12, 2019
Agua Prieta Mayor Jesus Alfonso Montaño said the situation has calmed in his city, and he sees minimal risk of violence in Douglas or elsewhere in Arizona.
“It’s to provide reassurance to their compatriots, which I don’t see as a bad thing,” Montaño said of the proposal. “Nevertheless, I don’t think a response to something that’s not happening is necessary.”
In a written statement, DPS said that the response was not an overreaction and that it's mission "is to provide for the safety of the citizens we serve."
